Hi everyone! Allow me to be the first to wish you a safe and fun holiday weekend celebrating the founding of our great nation.
Let’s jump right into the legislation voted on in session last week. I voted in favor of all but three.
AB 45 protects consumer choice by prohibiting local governments and state agencies from placing restrictions on utility services based on the type of fuel source used to provide energy.
AB 74 increases the seasonal period for an “F” endorsement to 210 days from 180. An “F” endorsement authorizes a seasonal farm employee who is eligible for a restricted commercial driver license under federal law to operate certain commercial vehicles for a seasonal period.
AB 161 provides the necessary permissions for the Department of Health Services (DHS) to distribute the additional federal matching dollars to private EMS providers. It also allows DHS to use a small portion of the funds to administer the program.
AB 176 would, under specific circumstances, allow a woman to obtain hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives, including common birth control pills, through a prescription from a pharmacist.
This bill has come up in previous sessions.
I voted against this bill because I do not like that we are choosing one type of medication to be prescribed by a pharmacist. If we as a state are going to allow pharmacists, rather than doctors, to prescribe medication, that is a significant shift from current medical practices. If that is really the road we wish to go down, then we should examine other medications as well to see if they should have this different handling procedure as well. I asked for an amendment to direct the Department of Health Services to work with the pharmacists and doctors of our state to generate a list of other medications that could possibly be treated in a similar manner rather than have a special carve-out in the law for one type of medication. Unfortunately, I was not able to convince my colleagues.
AB 224 changes “fixed-wing airplane” to “aircraft” so that a respiratory therapist may help accompany pediatric patients who are being transferred between hospitals in helicopters, not just fixed-wing airplanes.
AB 233 allows a sitting school board member to serve as a volunteer school bus driver within the same school district, provided the school board member meets specific criteria.
AB 302 provides a sales and use tax exemption for supplies and services used by large-scale data centers.
I voted no. While I certainly support tax credits for our businesses, I do not support writing tax credits to specifically benefit one company. Microsoft is considering building a data center in Wisconsin. This bill is to solidify that consideration. I do not believe you think they should get this special treatment in our tax code. Bill Gates will do just fine with or without the new law.
AB 304 makes various changes to improve alcohol beverage regulation and further develops an already successful industry.
AB 320 removes artificial water bodies related to nonmetallic mining operations from the Department of Natural Resources reclamation permitting requirement.
AB 321 allows the Department of Public Instruction to create an Office of Literacy to provide oversight of the state’s literacy initiatives.
I want to be clear on this bill. There’s a lot of good in this bill. Some public schools have been miserably failing in their responsibility to educate children. This is particularly true in basic reading skills, where some districts literally have 0% of their students reading at the expected grade level. This bill seeks to fix that problem. However, I felt compelled to vote “no” because I believe that it creates a slippery slope towards more government control of private schools by forbidding certain private schools from utilizing certain curriculums.
Welcome to the Capitol, Miss America!
It was an honor to meet Miss America, Grace Stanke of Wausau, again last week. She gave a terrific speech to the State Assembly on nuclear engineering technology. It is a privilege to have such an intelligent, bright young lady represent not only Wisconsin but the entirety of our country.
In-District Events
On Tuesday, July 4th, there will be an evening of activities, games, and fireworks that will start at 5 p.m. at Walsh Field in Two Rivers. Fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m.
The Latino-American Beach Festival will be on July 14th and 15th from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. both days at Neshotah Beach in Two Rivers.
Saturday, July 15th, will be a Carnival at the Country Visions Country Store (1221 Grant St., De Pere) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The De Pere Police Department will be raising money for a new K9, so make sure you visit them at the dunk tank!
The Greenleaf Fireman’s Picnic will be Saturday, July 15th, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 1588 Fair Road (just north of Greenleaf on STH 32-57) with fun activities such as cornhole to participate in and live music from 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, July 15th, there will be fireworks over Harpts Lake (16306 Harpts Lake Rd, Mishicot) along with food trucks, music and inflatables. This event will be from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. with fireworks taking place after dark.
Head on down to the library for some friendly competition! Every Tuesday from 6-7:30pm, the Lester Public Library in Two Rivers (1001 Adam St.) hosts a Family Game Night. Games and popcorn are provided.
